POWERPLAY 雜誌

“I have been waiting for you”.  Words directed to me by a gentleman dressed in all black and wearing a small black cap resembling those worn by ship captains.  “I hope you had an enjoyable flight, now, we need to be on our way”.  He briskly guided me to the stretch limousine, loaded me into the car and we were quickly on the way to our destination (an interview with the USA division I playoff champion for season 4).  The car was equipped with many luxuries; beverages, television, music, a video game system, and even a computer.   The only thing missing was a view.  As we traveled along, I realized that I could not see out of the car.  I’m not sure if we were going to a secretly hidden location, or if the lack of windows were to keep the rider from being distracted from the sites outside.  Before long, the limousine slowed and eventually came to a complete stop.    The driver opened my door and directed me towards the front door.  “I’m sure Mr. Outsider626  will be waiting for you”.

As I walked down the sidewalk to the front door of the 3 story brick home, I heard noises to side of the home.  The sounds were people speaking possibly laughing and lots of splashing sounds as well.   Apparently, there was a swimming pool beside or behind the house, but, a privacy fence hid the area from my view.  I rang the doorbell and was greeted by a slim and extremely attractive maid.  She was dressed in a skimpy; some might say sexy, uniform.   “Welcome to Outsider626’s home, I am his maid, Maria, Outsider626 is outside with a few friends, I’m sure he would be happy if you joined him.” 

So, Maria led me towards the back of the home, outside onto a large deck that bordered an equally large swimming pool.  A tall athletic gentleman stood beside a stylish patio table and 3 women were frolicking in the pool.  He greeted me and thanked Maria for her services and sent her back to work.  I complemented him on his home and apologized for being a little late with my arrival.  He assured me that my arrival was fine and asked if I minded completing the interview beside his pool.  The location was set and we settled down at the patio table and were ready to begin.

(Coldmountainrebel)  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to provide this interview.  First question, who are these three beautiful ladies in the pool? 

(Outsider626  - smiling)  I can’t believe you don’t recognize these beauties.    The brunette closest to us is Monica Bellucci, a famous actress; behind her in the one piece bathing suit is the beautiful Edwige Fenech, another actress, and near the diving board in the white one piece bathing suit is Marilyn Monroe.  I can’t believe you didn’t recognize at least one of them.

(Coldmountainrebel - slight blush) Yes, you are correct.  I should have recognized ALL of them.  I just wasn’t expecting these ladies to be here.  Anyways, you have great taste in women, what about fictional characters, who is your favorite?

(Outsider626)  I would have to say Sherlock Holmes.

(Coldmountainrebel)  Ok, what about television, what are your favorite programs.

(Outsider626)  I like to watch “Shark Tank”.  I also enjoy “Pawn Stars”.

(Coldmountainrebel)  If you were granted a trip in a time machine, where would you go?

(Outsider626)  I would visit Machu Picchu 15th century.

(Coldmountainrebel)  Sounds like fun, Incan civilization would be definitely have been something exciting to see.  Ok, let’s talk about sports.  What is your favorite sport?

(Outsider626)  Soccer. It's the most popular sport in the world. Fans cheering, beautiful passes, great tackles and awesome goals. What can you not like about it?

(Coldmountainrebel)  Good answer.  What about your favorite athlete?

(Outsider626)  Mike Tyson. I just loved the passion and the aggression that he fought with. His awesome power and speed was so phenomenal to watch. Wasn't scared of anyone, and wanted to finish the fight as quickly as possible. He was a very exciting boxer in his prime.

(Coldmountainrebel)  In his prime, he was very intimidating, what about soccer, do you have a favorite in that sport?

(Outsider626) Gabriel Batistuta aka Batigol. He played most of his career in Italy for Fiorentina and also represented Argentinian national team. He was a phenomenal striker who had charisma, speed, power, technique and the finishing touch. He scored the most amazing goals I have ever seen.

(Coldmountainrebel)  You are a very active PPM manager; how/when did you become a PPM manager? 

(Outsider626)  I was playing Russian hockey manager, and someone in the chat advertised PPM. I decided to give it a try and now I’m here for over 5 years.

(Coldmountainrebel)  Which of your PPM teams are you most proud of? Why? 

(Outsider626)  Most proud of my Handball team Mojo Express for obvious reasons. I was able to win a National Cup and become a League 1.1 champion. In other sports I couldn't accomplish this in top division since I started playing those sports a little too late, and those people who started from day 1, had already a big advantage over me.

(Coldmountainrebel)  Our interview today is actually about PPM handball, tell me about your background in handball.

(Outsider626) When I was in the middle school, I played with my buddies Handball on the school walls. You had to hit a small rubber ball against a wall so that it bounces off in such a way that your opponent couldn't return it. Is that what you meant?

(Coldmountainrebel)  I think so, that is comparable to my handball background.  I actually would know almost nothing about the sport, if it weren’t for the Olympics and PPM.  Your handball team, Mojo Express, finished tied for first during the regular season (losing the tie breaker to finish second).  In the playoffs, you dominated, losing only 1 game in 3 series to claim the playoff championship for USA division I.1.  Needless to say, your team was a dominate force this season.  Describe your most exciting moment from each regular season and the playoffs. 

(Outsider626)  Don't remember any exciting moments from the regular season, but in the playoffs I had two of those moments. The first one was exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. As you know my team lost the first semifinal game at home to Salt Lake Mountaineers. In the second game we went to overtime, and in my 4 seasons in Handball, my team never even played in a single overtime. So I had no idea how long the overtime is. For some reason I thought that the overtime is only one 5 minute half. So as I have the 1 goal lead and see the clock hit 5:00 mark I start jumping since I was thinking that the match is over and my team won. But shortly I was not pleasantly surprised to find out that there is second half of overtime. So now I’m thinking that I’m screwed and will definitely lose the game. But at the end my team was able to hold on for a 1 goal lead and win that game.

(Outsider626) The second most exciting moment was exterminating Inter Melon team in the finals with ease.

(Coldmountainrebel)  Can you describe your strategy for last season (season 4)? 

(Outsider626)  The strategy was to upgrade main facilities by 1 level and build 2-3 new stands inside the stadium.

(Coldmountainrebel)  Who do you feel are the strongest teams in the USA? 

(Outsider626)  Other than my team I would have to say CZECH 69'ERS.  Another two teams that have the potential are Hanover Fisters and Beer and Pizza.

(Coldmountainrebel)  On the Express, who was your most valuable player last season?

(Outsider626)  In the regular season it was definitely Willard Hatcher. He was the league leader based on G+A almost all season long until I decided to open a training camp. In the playoffs it was the brick wall Dominic Fugate. If not for his goaltending abilities, my team wouldn't be a league champion.

(Coldmountainrebel)  What strategy has helped you most in becoming successful in handball?

(Outsider626) Developing sports academy. While other managers do their day trading, I rely on my sporting academy to produce great talents, and so far I've been pretty lucky with good pulls. During 4 seasons I only bough 2 players on the market, and I spent on them in total just 300k.

(Coldmountainrebel)  Season 5 has begun, what are your goals for this season? 

(Outsider626) Each season my goal is to win every tournament trophy that my team participates in. But realistically after looking at my Champions’ League group, I would be happy if my team can advance from group stage. Other goal is to defend my national cup title and become a league champion once again.

(Coldmountainrebel)  Do you seek advice from others within the PPM World? If so, who has provided you with the best advice during last season?

(Outsider626)  I don't. If I’m not sure about something, I read the guide.

(Coldmountainrebel)  If you were providing advice for a new player, what would you suggest as being the most important step to becoming successful in their league?

(Outsider626)  Have patience. Buy cheap players with decent overall rating. Don't forget to upgrade your facilities.   3 Keys:  1. Patience 2. Awareness 3. Luck.

(Coldmountainrebel)  That is very good advice, new owners should listen and learn from those words.

(Outsider626) Rebel, thanks for visiting, I have got to get back to work.

He called for Maria, who led me to the door; I was on my way home from another exciting interview.